Hey gals! How's the week going so far? Even though I'm exhausted and in need of a little TLC, I am feeling more motivated and driven than I have in a really long time. And it feels amazing!

Tonight, I'm kicking off a series that will be a regular part of Hey Gal Hey moving forward: WOMAN CRUSH WEDNESDAY. Can you dig it? The only requirement for Woman Crush Wednesday interviewees is that they're women going for their dreams and kicking ass in the process. I think we need to celebrate and encourage each other whenever possible, and I couldn't think of a better way to do that then to interview the women who inspire me.

With that said, may I present the illustrious, hilarious, and crazy-talented Kayla Sprint. Anyone who has followed me on Instagram for any time at all probably already knows that this queen and I are close friends, which of course makes me biased, but her work is truly stunning. A photographer of elopements, weddings, and couples in love, she makes capturing the perfect moments look easy. Kayla is a continuous inspiration to me, and is one of the hardest working photographers I know. So it's safe to say: I'm a fan.

I asked her a few questions about her career, her inspiration, and yes, her favorite Trader Joe's item. So let's dive in!

Q: What led you to pursue a career in photography?

I can’t think of a specific time, it just happened. It’s sort of like having something good happen when you least expect it. I wasn’t looking for a career in photography when I received my first camera for Christmas and I was pretty comfortable just doing landscape photography a hobby whenever I had the chance. I’d always been intrigued by portrait and wedding photography but never felt like I could actually do it. One day, I eventually decided to take a leap of faith and try it out. It was the best risk I’ve ever taken.

Photo by Kayla Sprint

Q: What’s your favorite part about your job?

Definitely the connections I make along the way and the new places I get to visit. Even before photography, both of these things were important to me in whatever career path I decided to follow. Sometimes it still feels surreal that I actually get to do what I love for a living.

Q: Who inspires you?

Definitely the couples I work with! There’s something so beautiful about love in all it’s different shapes and forms. Being able to capture the realness between two people and witnessing the way people interact in different ways is so intriguing to me.

Photo by Kayla Sprint

Q: Where are you itching to travel to next and why?

I’ve really been wanting to go back to Europe and wander around at my own pace. I’d love to do another solo trek because I’m dying to revisit some of my favorite places. Spain, Italy, and Greece are at the top of my list!

Q: What’s your go-to item from Trader Joe’s and why?

I’m a huge fan of the Everything but the Bagel Seasoning Blend! I don’t know how Trader Joe’s does it but they have me obsessed with this one! But seriously, if you’re crazy about everything bagels, you have to try this stuff. It’s amazing.

SPEED ROUND:

Q: Pizza or pasta? Pasta!

Q: Mimosa or Bloody Mary? Mimosa!

Q: Night out or night in? Night in!

Q: Slippers or Stilettos? Slippers, always!

"Capturing

love on camera is the ultimate privilege. Being able to witness a couple's

intimate, sweet moments is one of the best things I can imagine doing."

Q: No one can predict the future, but as it stands right now, where do you hope to be in 5 years?

Such a daunting question! I’ve always been a big dreamer so my hope would be that I’m still doing wedding photography full time and that I’ve applied my personal growth to the creativity that comes with any art form. I’d also love to be living somewhere completely opposite than Portland and hopefully stepping out of my comfort zone in multiple ways.

Q: If you had to give fellow photographers, or just gals in general, any piece of advice, what would it be?

I spent a lot of my early photography days worrying about what other people thought and it really took a toll on my creativity. Everyday I’m learning the importance of seeking out what feels right and remembering that I’m doing this for me at the end of the day. Nobody can take the passion out of your work if you stay true to the path in believing in yourself and what you create.

Photo by Kayla Sprint

Thanks again for the chat, Kayla! Want to join in on her photography journey? Follow the links below to find her Instagram and website.